Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads? 5 Myths and the Real Facts

People think that the dog tilts his head when he doesn't understand what is happening. It's a sweet idea, but it's not the whole truth. But why do dogs tilt their head when they are spoken to? Researchers have examined this adorable behavior and their answer is hearing, sight and attention. We test the most popular beliefs one by one in what follows against what experts actually say.

Fact: A tilt is more likely to be an attempt to pay attention than confusion.

Dogs can hear many sounds, but not as well as people with regards to localizing the origin of a sound. If they hear something unusual, they shift their head to get a closer listen. The ear flap, known as the pinna, can block part of the ear canal, says VCA Animal Hospitals. Moving the head helps the dog work around it.

So the noise of the squeaky toy or the weird word you said is not "confusing" your dog. It's increasing your dog's focus of listening.

Fact: Different ear shapes and face shapes alter the amount of tilt in a dog.

A German Shepherd's ear flap is only over the back of the canal. The canal is completely covered by a Cocker Spaniel's large ears. Each has a different hearing challenge, and each moves his/her head differently.

The shape of the face is also important. Dog expert Dr Stanley Coren says that dogs with longer snouts tilt more as their muzzles block a portion of their vision. Make a fist and place it in front of your nose and take a look at a person's face. You'll be tilting your head, too! Dogs that are "flat faced" such as a Pug will have less in the way and may not tilt as much.

Fact: Research links tilting to dogs that actually know the meaning of the words.

In 2022, 40 dogs were observed in a study published in the journal Animal Cognition, as they were asked to retrieve toys by name. Several were "gifted" dogs who had learned numerous toy names. When asked for a toy, these talented dogs tilted their heads 43% of the time. Typical dogs did it only 2% of the time.

The researchers believe that the tilt could demonstrate deep focus. It could be that the dog is matching the word it heard with a memory of the toy. Basically, the tilt could be what "thinking hard" looks like in a dog.

Fact: There's a favourite side for many dogs.

The same study found something surprising. If a dog tilts to the left, he will keep tilting to the left, month after month. It did not matter where the owner was standing. Just as people tend to be right or left handed, dogs can also have their preferred tilt side. Observe your dog over some time and determine whether or not it consistently leans the same way.

Fact: If the tilt stays in place, it may be a health warning.

A quick tilt while listening is normal. However, if a dog's head remains tilted to one side, it should be seen by a vet, even without other signs, according to the PDSA, a veterinary charity from the United Kingdom. Possible causes include:

Watch for head shaking, walking in circles, losing balance or eating less. In addition to the constant tilt, these are indications that you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

If you see odd behaviours like this, it is a good idea to learn your dog's other ways of communicating as well. For instance, read about why dogs yawn and why dogs lean on you. The little body language can tell you a lot.

So, why do dogs tilt their heads? To hear what you say more clearly, to see your face more clearly and to concentrate on the words that are important to them. It's not simply confusion. It's one way your dog tells you that he is on your wavelength. Enjoy those times, but watch for a tilt that doesn't lift. Just like kicking grass after pooping, it is one more little thing which tells you how your dog's mind and body operate.